Shovelnose and pictus cats

michelle7 · Post by **michelle7** » 07 Feb 2005, 04:30

So what do you all think? Could these two species live ok together in a 70 gal tank?

Currently, my lima is almost 10" long and is about 2 years old (or so). He/she's living in a 70 gal tank with 3 lake malawi cichlids, after it ate the smallest one (who came in at a little under 3"). Since the others are quite big at this point in time, they seem to get along really well - knowing each other's territory and whatnot.

I would love to add some pictus cats to the tank - do you think it would be too crowded?

And the major question - do you think this big guy could eat pictus cats that are full grown at 4-5" or so?

He eats all types of frozen foods as well as flakes occasionally. He also eats any and all spirulina discs that are in the tank and shrimp pellets. I just wish one could curb this fishs' predatory instinct at times....

Anyways - would appreciate any input on this! Thanks all!

Post by **medaka** » 08 Feb 2005, 00:54

hi michelle

i was wondering what your set up is and the PH of the water
lima's do best in soft water where rift valley cichlids
like harder water so there is a conflict there already with regards to whats best for the fish..
saying that there has been a recent posts in this forum relating to lima's that you may find of some use.here is one example
http://www.planetcatfish.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9882

michelle7 · Post by **michelle7** » 08 Feb 2005, 04:06

Hi! Thanks for replying!

The hardness of the water is GH: 10 and KH:5. The pH sits at 7.5 (both in the tank and straight from the tap).

The tank is 48x18x18, planted (all plants are in pots so the cichlids leave them alone - which they've been doing) and lots of driftwood pieces. It doesn't have a lot of current at the moment, only one HOB filter. I'm in the process of looking for a good powerhead that could create a bit more of a stir in there.

So far the 2 species have done amazingly well together. There was a lot of fighting at first, but both seem to be fine now. Both species are growing like crazy!

Post by **medaka** » 09 Feb 2005, 00:17

hi michelle

instead of buying a powerhead for more flow..
why not buy an internal powerfilter you would get some extra movement but with the added bonus of more filtration
i have seen lima's in with smallish pims; but the ones i looked after were housed in a much bigger tank and had similar sized fish as tank mates,so it may be best to see what alternatives turn up at your lfs
eg something a bit more stocky in build.

pictus_man_77 · Post by **pictus_man_77** » 13 Feb 2005, 19:31

i think keeping pictus with him is a great idea as long as they r full size because if you keep 4 den if he eats one then he wont make that mistake again (fin spines)!!!!!!!!!!!

Beersnob · Post by **Beersnob** » 17 Feb 2005, 03:44

I'd be afraid that you'll see Pictus disappearus. Pimodella might be a better fit or Pimodella ornatus.

Thanks,

Scott

pictus_man_77 · Post by **pictus_man_77** » 17 Feb 2005, 17:27

could he put in a megalodoras irwini

sidguppy · Post by **sidguppy** » 18 Feb 2005, 10:24

a +2 foot catfish in a tank that is slightly over 250 liters?

is this a troll?
or a trivial post?

pictus_man_77 · Post by **pictus_man_77** » 19 Feb 2005, 07:45

alrite alrite,sorry im just confused with my measurements and volumes

so how big is the tank then so i can think of better tankmates?????